Veterans' Day Reflection: Once an Army Buddy, Always an Army Buddy

 

One of the greatest blessings of military service isn’t found in medals or ceremonies—it’s found in the lifelong friendships forged in the trenches, on the tarmac, in the barracks, and beyond. You rely on your Army buddy to have your back, and they do. That trust doesn’t end when you retire or REFRAD—it just deepens with time.

Last Tuesday, I was reminded of this truth in the best way. A couple of old Army buddies called out of the blue—they were in town from the other coast, just for a day. No fanfare, no agenda. Just a quick call and a drop-in. We shared pizza, laughter, and stories. They spent time with the kids at home—two disabled adults who lit up in their presence. And somehow, it felt like no time had passed. But it had. Fifty years.

Over those five decades, we’ve managed to meet about once a decade—sometimes by chance, sometimes by intention. Whether it was a short visit or an overnight stay, beds were always found, stories always shared, and that unspoken bond always reaffirmed.

This Veterans Day, I honor not just the service, but the sacred continuity of friendship that comes with it. Once an Army buddy, always an Army buddy. That’s a legacy worth celebrating.

See other posts about veterans.

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